LSU has had a secret weapon in its run to Omaha and the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

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Tourism in New Orleans has bounced back to from Covid-19. The city welcomed more than 19-million visitors last year, the highest number since 2019. But a new problem is emerging in that  many visitors to the Crescent City are from Canada…and with the White House rhetoric of making Canada a state, some Canadians are rethinking their travel plans.

Cut 15 (09) “…they’ll be back.”

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. NFIB State Director Leah Long says labor and inflation remain pressing issues.  In May, 34-percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 86-percent of those hiring said qualified applicants were scarce.

Cut 8 (09) “…is super important.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues. Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

Cut 6 (05) “…over the counter.”

Small businesses are feeling cautiously optimistic…at least according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. NFIB State Director Leah Long says one reason for the optimism is the administration change with Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform and attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks to business owners.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

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President Donald Trump plans to restore the names of seven military bases whose names were changed under the former administration, that includes Louisiana’s own Fort Polk.  The name was changed to Fort Johnson to recognize medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

It turns out that LSU has had a secret weapon in their march to Omaha and the College World Series. Seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma and was paired with the Tigers baseball team through Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says Caden has been with the team throughout the season, but isn’t going to Omaha, at least not yet.

Cut 11 (13) “…the World Series.”

The Tigers are set to play Arkansas in the opening round of the College World Series Saturday night.

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Cassidy says the bill will need some changes to pass the Senate.

Cut 3 (17) “…people do better.”

LSU hosts West Virginia in the Super Regional round of the NCAA tournament beginning today. The Mountaineers have gone to back-to-back Super Regionals and were undefeated in Clemson last weekend. Tigers coach Jay Johnson says the Mountaineers will be ready…

Cut 12 (13) “…right now.” 

The series kicks off this afternoon at one.

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With warmer temperatures here, now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the event has grown into a music and arts festival. Admission is Free.

Cut 9 (15)  “…huge arts market.”

The heat will be on today at Alex Box Stadium in more ways than one as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. It’s already been a crazy NCAA Tournament with a lot of upsets and LSU goes into this Super Regional Series as a big favorite in today’s 1 pm game. But second baseman Daniel Dickinson knows West Virginia will be a tough team to beat…

Cut 18 (09)  “…their season.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening in Ruston today with music, food, and fun for all ages.  Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says peaches are a huge crop in northwest Louisiana – so much so that Ruston is known as the peach capital of Louisiana.

Cut 11 (14) “…you’ll ever eat.”

So if you’re in the area, be sure to check it out. Admission is free.

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Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Cassidy says the president laid out his main objectives that he wants to achieve with his “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Cut 4 (17) “…the American people.”

Mosquito season is upon us, so now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says when you go outside, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET and…

Cut 7 (12) “…windows and doors.”

It will be hot for today’s Super Regional as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. LSU is the favorite in the series but the Tigers know the Mountaineers will be tough to beat.  Coach Jay Johnson says the adversity his team has already faced should be a benefit as they try to win an eight national championship.

Cut 19 (14) “…they play”

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Cassidy says the bill will need some changes to pass the Senate.

Cut 3 (17) “…people do better.”

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With warmer temperatures here, now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the event has grown into a music and arts festival. Admission is Free.

Cut 9 (15)  “…huge arts market.”

Mosquito season is upon us, so now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says when you go outside, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET, and take other steps as well.

Cut 6 (09) “…hours or so.”

Sokol says every year, people get infected with West Nile in every part of the state, so everyone is at risk for West Nile.

Mosquitos probably won’t be a problem so early, but it will be hot for today’s Super Regional as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. Shortstop Stevan Milam says they are prepared for the heat…

Cut 17 (13)  “…this weekend.”

First pitch is set for one this afternoon.
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Senator Bill Cassidy and other Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to discuss the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the free music and arts festival offers entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Cut 10 (11) “…until 10:30 p.m..”

A sweeping bill that mandates a series of nutritional reforms is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you’re looking for something else to do over the weekend, how about some fishing?  Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is free fishing weekend.

Cut 10 (09) “…sport of fishing.”

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The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow.  Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau expects Anthany Eyanson to start game one to be available to close out game three if necessary. As for the lineup, he believes Johnson will stick with the one that secured a Regional championship versus Little Rock.

Cut 15 (14) “…fifth or sixth.”

Whether you’re fishing or taking in some baseball, you may notice a haze in the sky this weekend… the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says it will affect air quality so if you’re at risk be aware.  Miller says the dust is brought across the Atlantic by hot, dry desert winds.

Cut 6 (10) “…cyclone development.”

Miller says weather systems off the coast of Florida should disperse the dust by Monday.

A massive nutrition reform bill is on Governor Landry’s desk.  The bill banse certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and requires food companies to put QR codes on packaging if their products contain certain artificial ingredients. And author of the bill Covington Republican PatrickMcMath says certain medical professionals will be required to take a one-hour course on nutrition and metabolic health every two years.

Cut 8 (16) “…they simply don’t.”

If the sky outside seems hazy and brown this weekend, you’re not imagining things.  It’ll be the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says it’ll be strange no doubt but some need to be careful because of the air quality.

Cut 5 (11) “…something like that.”

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The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow. The Mountaineers and Tigers have similar records at over 40 wins each.  Tigers aces Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson have been a devastating duo on the mound, but Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau says if LSU can’t wrap up the series by Sunday, Monday’s game three could get interesting.

Cut 14 (17) “…off game.”

And hey, this weekend is Free fishing weekend in Louisiana.  Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it’s a good way to introduce new people to the sport of fishing. And once they’re hooked, getting a license for the whole year is easy and inexpensive.

Cut 12 (09) “…top of that.”

And the fishing license is good for 365 days following the date of issuance.

The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow. The Mountaineers and Tigers have similar records at over 40 wins each. Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau thinks LSU may have the upper hand, but that doesn’t mean this weekend’s series is a sure thing.

Cut 13 (15)  “…as well.”

First pitch tomorrow is set for 1 p.m.

If you’re looking for a change of pace this weekend, maybe try some fishing?  After all it’s free fishing weekend in Louisiana! Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the success of the decades-old tradition.
Cut 11 (08) “…license after that.”

The fishing license is goof for 365 days.
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LSU Associate Professor of coastal meteorology Paul Miller says Louisiana can expect some African visitors this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana High School Coaches Association has named its first female Director.  Franklinton native and long-time coach Jessica Barber is an experienced assistant coach and says building relationships and having fun should always be at the center of athletics.

Cut 18 (12)  “…help with.”

A sweeping bill calling for a series of nutrition reforms is on the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 14, authored by Covington Republican Patrick McMath, unanimously passed both houses of legislature. Major components include banning certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and forcing food companies to put QR codes on packaging if their products contain certain artificial ingredients. McMath says they’re part of the nationwide Make America Healthy Again movement.

Cut 7 (11) “…change their ingredients.”

The Louisiana High School Coaches Association named Franklinton native Jessica Barber as its new director. Barber is the association’s first female director and brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to the job. She says when she got the job, she thought of the deserving women who impacted her as an athlete.

Cut 16 (12) “…high school athletics.”

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LSU hosts West Virginia this weekend with a trip to the College World Series on the line. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

If the sky outside seems hazy and brown this weekend, don’t be surprised. It’s the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says dust plumes are a regular part of the Atlantic climate system.

Cut 4 (10) “…happening here.”

Miller says weather systems off the coast of Florida should disperse the dust by Monday.